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Red-Baron · May 5th, 2008, 15:34

Hi,

yes, that's the question, "do I have a future in aviation". I assume I'm probably not the only one asking himself this question, especially at an age of 36 and most of all when it comes to the salary (present, as a CFI, and future, as a regional pilot). I got my CPL back in 2002 and in 2003 I got my CFI+I, and since then I've been out of aviation. Last year in Dec. I got my flight review and IPC, and recently got a full time job as a CFI - I wish this would have happened a few years earlier!

So it looks like that everything seems to be just fine. But to be honest, I kind a noticed that I don't have the enthusiasm and motivation anymore which I had when I got my CPL and CFI, especially considering my financial situation. Currently I'm making around 1500 - 1600 net a month, and as you can imagine that's not really a lot in CA. I was thinking about doing some freelancing on the weekends (which means on my day-off), but this would mean that I don't have any free time at all.

Now I could say, okay it's only temporary and I'll be moving on to a commercial job (which basically means moving on to the regionals) and as (probably) everybody knows, that's not really an improvement at all. Most regionals pay between 18k to 20k a year, which is pretty much the same as what I get right now, and the working conditions are even worse (I'm just thinking about these so called "camping trips" where the pilots sleep in the cockpit) and for 1500 bucks a month I definitely not going to put up with that.

The point is, that I've got a pretty good job offer (overseas in Europe) I'd be making 4500$ a month (net!!! after tax!! and that's even in Europe way above average) and a benefit package, which (probably) not even a US-government employee gets. Just to mention, annually 25 days of paid vacation.

I did some research and I figured out, that it'll take me probably many, many years until I'll reach that pay-level in the aviation industry (if I ever reach it). Europe wouldn't be a great deal for me, since I was born there and lived pretty much most of my life over there.

I mean if I'd be making better money, or at least if the regionals would be paying their pilots better, I'd say a minimum of 30k a year to start with (and I believe most of you fellow aviators do agree on that) I'd definitely stay in the aviation business, without a doubt! But under the given circumstances, I'm a bit concerned regarding my future in this business.

What do you guys think? Any input/feedback and/or opinions are appreciated!

May 5th, 2008, 15:34	#1
Red-Baron Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 45	Do I have a future in aviation Hi, yes, that's the question, "do I have a future in aviation". I assume I'm probably not the only one asking himself this question, especially at an age of 36 and most of all when it comes to the salary (present, as a CFI, and future, as a regional pilot). I got my CPL back in 2002 and in 2003 I got my CFI+I, and since then I've been out of aviation. Last year in Dec. I got my flight review and IPC, and recently got a full time job as a CFI - I wish this would have happened a few years earlier! So it looks like that everything seems to be just fine. But to be honest, I kind a noticed that I don't have the enthusiasm and motivation anymore which I had when I got my CPL and CFI, especially considering my financial situation. Currently I'm making around 1500 - 1600 net a month, and as you can imagine that's not really a lot in CA. I was thinking about doing some freelancing on the weekends (which means on my day-off), but this would mean that I don't have any free time at all. Now I could say, okay it's only temporary and I'll be moving on to a commercial job (which basically means moving on to the regionals) and as (probably) everybody knows, that's not really an improvement at all. Most regionals pay between 18k to 20k a year, which is pretty much the same as what I get right now, and the working conditions are even worse (I'm just thinking about these so called "camping trips" where the pilots sleep in the cockpit) and for 1500 bucks a month I definitely not going to put up with that. The point is, that I've got a pretty good job offer (overseas in Europe) I'd be making 4500$ a month (net!!! after tax!! and that's even in Europe way above average) and a benefit package, which (probably) not even a US-government employee gets. Just to mention, annually 25 days of paid vacation. I did some research and I figured out, that it'll take me probably many, many years until I'll reach that pay-level in the aviation industry (if I ever reach it). Europe wouldn't be a great deal for me, since I was born there and lived pretty much most of my life over there. I mean if I'd be making better money, or at least if the regionals would be paying their pilots better, I'd say a minimum of 30k a year to start with (and I believe most of you fellow aviators do agree on that) I'd definitely stay in the aviation business, without a doubt! But under the given circumstances, I'm a bit concerned regarding my future in this business. What do you guys think? Any input/feedback and/or opinions are appreciated! Last edited by Red-Baron; May 5th, 2008 at 19:11.